“I think that it’s within our nature to seek connection. Just like a bird’s urge to fly, I believe it’s part of our humanity. And to let go, even when we know things aren’t right, is a physically and emotionally painful process – so instead we live in the hope that things will change.” These refelective words from Josef Scott capture the essence of human interaction and the struggles within.
Humans have a deep desire for validation, and it can be even stronger when it comes from someone we perceive as out of reach. This psychological tendency can often leave us ensnared in one-sided relationships, clinging to the hope of change. But this kind of relationships are draining, destructive, and ultimately debilitating. Josef Scott has explored this intense theme with his new album “Nine To Five“, resulting in a surprisingly smooth and captivating listening experience, that flows effortlessly from start to finish, despite its profound content.
In our 7 Questions series, he talks about the emotional dynamics of one-sided relationships, his therapeutic songwriting process, and the deep inspirations behind his photography.
Photo by Ben Weingart
Your new single ‘Nine To Five’ explores the theme of a one-sided relationship. Everyone can probably relate to this when it comes to interpersonal relationships. What makes it so difficult to let go of people once you realize this?
Great question! I think that it’s within our nature to seek connection. Just like a bird’s urge to fly, I believe it’s part of our humanity. And to let go, even when we know things aren’t right is a physically and emotionally painful process – so instead we live in the hope that things will change.
What was the creative process like for this track?
Truthfully, “Nine To Five” felt like one of the easiest songs I’ve written in recent memory. It all came together within a day. I had just wrapped up an intense week of writing “Summer Dopamine,” a song that I struggled to bring to life, heavily themed around the nostalgia of a summer fling. But eventually, everything clicked. The creation process flowed seamlessly.
It also reminded me that most of my prior experiences with love left me on the receiving end (of a break up) and that I felt I was always the one hustling to make things work. I recall waking up the next day with the urge to keep riding that wave and write another song. The rest is history.
You’ve previously released songs that touch on personal themes such as love and relationships. Do you find the process of writing about them therapeutic or challenging?
Absolutely therapeutic! Songwriting gives me the freedom to express myself and release intense feelings into songs, which is why I quickly became obsessed with songwriting when I first flirted with it back when I was 13 (first breakup, I was traumatised…).
“From a young age, I’ve always felt I had a deep understanding of what love means to me, and that it was important, I didn’t give it to anyone and when I was in, I was all in.”
‘Nine To Five’ is influenced by your own romantic history. How has your perspective on love and relationships evolved over your years?
From a young age, I’ve always felt I had a deep understanding of what love means to me, and that it was important, I didn’t give it to anyone and when I was in, I was all in. However, what has evolved is a clearer understanding of myself and how I respond to love within a relationship. It can be a complicated world to navigate for the first time.
What consistently inspires you the most?
Apart from my aspiration to become a better musician, the connections I share with the people I love and the world around me is what inspires me the most. It’s the ultimate human experience that fuels my creativity and passion.
You’re also passionate about photography. What themes or feelings do you typically seek to express through your images?
To me photography is about crafting images that transport me back, that create a sense of nostalgia. I’m drawn to capturing beauty in simplicity, seeking out those fleeting moments that evoke a longing for the past.
The most important thing in life is…?
Connection! But also, doing what you love. We only get one go at this thing we call life, might as well do the thing that makes us most happy.
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